New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (July 2010)

Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

We’ve collated the latest plug-ins, controllers, synths and mics to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 154, Future Music issue 229 and Rhythm issue 179, and published on MusicRadar throughout July.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Propellerhead Software’s ReBirth.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Get past the fiddly interface and you'll fall in love with ReBirth all over again.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software ReBirth

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not quite the update it could have been, but Pod Farm 2 remains a strong contender in the amp sim arena.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“iElectribe really does turn your iPad into a functional groovebox, and a hugely enjoyable one, too.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg iElectribe

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid, straightforward bass enhancer with Universal Audio's usual attention to detail and slick sound quality.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not an all-purpose dynamics unit by any means, but Dyna-mite excels in those situations where you need crack and snap.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Softube Valley People Dyna-mite

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“As with real guitar pedals, BBE's bundle o' boxes is simple yet effective, with plenty of rude 'tude (dude).

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Stomp Ware

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The L82 we can live without and the H82 is limited in scope. The D82 is a winner, though, with its time-proven processing.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Sonic Sweet

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Great for glitchy granular effects and generating additional harmonic content, though vocals aren't this plug-in's forte.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“MeldaProduction have made a potentially overwhelming effect relatively easy to wield, with some good results to be had.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Inspiring, fun and with a fine sound, Sequent is a fine effort from Loomer.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Loomer Sequent

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While the multisampled patches can be hit and miss, Ethno 2's splendid selection of loops is highly desirable.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MOTU Ethno Instrument 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not the sexiest bit of music software, but when it comes to getting a grip on your samples, nothing beats AudioFinder.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Iced Audio AudioFinder 5

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Do you want perfectly aligned vocals? Then get VocALign! It's that simple.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Adding a keyboard and improving the interface takes the Mopho to the next level.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Forget about its weaknesses. At such a low price it's impossible to resist its many charms.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Monotron

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A total quality system, easy to use with loads of power for the ultimate decks 'n' FX DJ set.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath Xone:DX

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Korg Sound on Sound is likely to become a must-have utility item for many musicians.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Sound on Sound

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Should definitely prove a popular choice for guitar- and Apple-based musicians and producers.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Apogee GiO

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flexible, hybrid, modular channel strip from SPL with a sound and tone to die for.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SPL Frontliner Model 2800

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Its no-nonsense design makes it an ideal 'point and shoot' stereo recorder at a great price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Alesis Palmtrack

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Control freaks may be better off elsewhere, but for a plug-and-play solution featuring some of the freshest, most inspiring electronic percussion around, Electronic EZX hits the mark.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Electronic EZX

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fantastic, ready-to-go DJ setup that is future-proofed with USB and the RekordBox software.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Packing more sonic weight than their size would suggest - good for those on a budget.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fostex PM0.4n

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The BV-1 is a very stylish mic. It's not cheap, but the price is reasonable given what's included.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Another fantastic sound mangler from Audio Damage that won't hurt your wallet.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio Damage Discord 3

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The CMS 40s performed beyond my expectations for their size. Put them at the top of your list!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A comprehensive and intelligent library that impressively meets all electric guitar needs.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: VIR2 Electri6ity

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)

Liked this? Now read: In pictures: the best hi-tech gear of 2009

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